Deadly Clashes Grip Southern Syria
Southern Syria has been rocked by severe violence, with nearly 600 people confirmed dead. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reports that the fighting began last Sunday in Suweida province. The area, mostly home to the Druze religious minority, has witnessed brutal killings, executions, and airstrikes.
According to SOHR, 300 Druze members were killed, including 154 civilians. Shockingly, 83 of them were reportedly executed by government forces. In total, 594 people died, 257 government troops, 18 Bedouin fighters, and 3 Bedouin civilians were also among the victims.
The violence began after tensions flared between Druze and Bedouin communities. The government sent forces to restore order, but their arrival worsened the fighting. In response, Israeli airstrikes hit government targets, aiming to protect the Druze and push back Syrian troops.
Ceasefire Announced, But Fighting Continues
Although the Syrian government announced a ceasefire on Wednesday, calm did not last. Government troops pulled back from Suweida, but looting and body recoveries continued. Residents reported damage and widespread fear.
Prominent Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri rejected the ceasefire. He urged the Druze to keep fighting until Suweida was free from what he called “government gangs.” Hajri has long advocated for closer ties with Israel, while other Druze factions back the current government.
The southern Syria violence has fractured the Druze community and left the region unstable.
Israel Vows to Keep Syrian Forces Away
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the situation on Thursday. He confirmed that Israel intervened to protect the Druze and block Syrian military activity near its borders. He declared that Israel will not allow Syrian forces to deploy south of Damascus again.
Wednesday’s Israeli airstrikes also targeted key military sites in Damascus, including the defense ministry and areas near the presidential palace. This marks a major escalation in Israel’s operations against Syria since Bashar al-Assad’s fall last year.
Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, condemned the strikes. In a televised statement, he said Israel aims to destabilize the nation and divide its people.
Addressing the Druze, Sharaa stated, “We are committed to protecting your rights. We reject any attempt foreign or domestic to create division.”
The deadly southern Syria violence highlights the fragile state of the country and the complex interests shaping its future.
